FILLMORE : Groups to Start Selling Fireworks

Fireworks go on sale in Fillmore beginning at noon today, but do-it-yourself pyrotechnics are illegal if set off anywhere in Ventura County outside the city limits.

A collection of 18 nonprofit groups have permits to erect fireworks stands along California 126 in Fillmore, the only city in Ventura County that allows sales for Fourth of July festivities. Profits from the stands help subsidize a variety of community activities, ranging from citywide festivals to youth camps and sports, city officials said.

Fillmore Fire Chief Pat Askren estimated the average intake per booth at $20,000 for a week of sales. Earnings from the “safe and sane” fireworks sales are the primary source of annual income for many of the sponsoring church and civic organizations.

But the fireworks also represent a fire hazard and can lead to serious injury, authorities said.

“We know what they’re dealing with in terms of needing a fund raiser,” said Sandy Wells, spokeswoman for the Ventura County Fire Department. “But we believe there are no safe fireworks, except those in the hands of a licensed pyrotechnics technician, such as those at the public displays around the county.”

All fireworks sold in Fillmore must bear the state fire marshal’s seal of approval and no sales to minors will be permitted, Askren said. “If I catch anyone selling illegal ones, I’ll make sure they’re prosecuted,” he said. “That’s a promise.”

Every year, authorities report fireworks-related injuries ranging from first-degree burns to amputations, Wells said. “They’re all made with a certain amount of explosive,” Wells said. “I don’t feel safe giving gunpowder to children.”

One Fourth of July tradition banned last year is the metal-core sparkler, which officials said can burn at temperatures in excess of 1,800 degrees. Askren said he was pleased to see sparklers deleted from the “safe and sane” list.